01x08 - I Will Do the Healing

[bunniefuu]

[SHION]

We stayed in Istria

after Marie was diagnosed

with lethargy sickness.

It felt safer to care for her

where we could get help

rather than isolated

in our village.

[sighs]

[knock on door]

[gasps]

Hey, hey! I was planning

to use this place for storage,

but I'm happy to put you up.

The room is all yours.

[GAWAIN]

I'm sorry to inconvenience you.

As am I.

Sorry, Grast.

You've got

nothing to apologize for!

You two have helped me out

more times than I can count!

trust me this is the least

I could do.

It just seems wrong.

Marie is such a good kid.

Real shame.

[gasps]

My bad!

I know how hard

this must be for you.

Hmm.

[GAWAIN]

It's fine.

I'll get out of your hair!

Enjoy your stay at Hotel Grast.

I'll be back this afternoon.

[GAWAIN]

Right. Sorry again.

Hm. Now that better be

the last time

you apologize to me.

I'm so

[soft chuckle]

Thank you, Grast.

[chuckles]

No sweat!

[ROSE]

May I come in?

[gasps]

Shion.

Hmm.

[SHION] I have no idea

how much time passed.

I kept saying her name,

but she never even

batted an eye.

[GAWAIN]

Shion.

[SHION]

What is it?

There's somebody

that I would like you to meet,

but we need to get going now.

Gather your things.

Can this person help her?

Save her?

Are they a doctor?

No, son.

They are not.

[SHION]

Then, I'm not going anywhere.

I refuse to leave Marie's side.

[GAWAIN]

Remember the invisible monster?

That strange creature

we encountered

on our way into town

four nights ago?

[SHION]

Four nights, huh?

So, that's how long it's been.

With everything going on,

I lost track of time.

[GAWAIN] That same day,

people were attacked

and k*lled by an unseen beast.

There's over ten separate cases

reported so far.

It was likely

the work of the monster

that tried

to attack you and me.

And there is no guarantee

that it won't strike again.

So many are dead,

but we were able

to drive it back and survive.

This may well mean that we

[sighs]

No.

That you are the only one

who possesses the means

to stand

against this abomination.

[SHION]

And what of it?

[GAWAIN] [sighs]

Listen.

If that monster

is left to its own devices,

I have no doubt

that it will k*ll again.

[SHION]

I already told you.

I'm staying with Marie.

She shouldn't be

alone right now.

Let someone else

take care of it.

[GAWAIN] [grows] So then,

you would choose to stay here

at the cost

of another ten victims?

You could be the only person

with the power to defeat it!

If you just agree to help,

you could save countless lives!

Not my problem.

And what if that beast

comes flying through town?

What if it destroys

our village?

How many more innocent lives

must it steal for you to care?

[SHION]

Those lives don't matter to me!

I'm not going to leave her

for people I don't know.

Go find somebody else

to save the day!

All I want is to sit here

and make sure she's okay!

Is that really

so terrible of me?

And why am I

so much more worried

about her than you?

[GAWAIN]

You are not, Shion!

Of course, I'm worried.

Look at me!

I would do anything

to be trapped

in that bed instead of her.

If it meant seeing

my little girl smile again.

I would sell my soul

to the vilest demon!

[gasps]

[GAWAIN]

But I can't, Shion.

I have been afforded

no such opportunity.

That's why, right now

we must help those

we're able to.

The sadness you feel inside,

we can prevent others

from feeling the same.

You are special

and may be their only hope.

-[whimpering]

-Help them, Shion.

They need you.

[SHION]

Father.

[MARIE]

Based on all the good

your magic has done so far,

I have this feeling

that you could use it

for something spectacular!

We just

haven't thought of it yet!

[MARIE] Unseen powers influence

everything around them

either for good or for ill.

At least,

that's what Father told me.

Discoveries aren't easy.

I know.

But still

there's something more.

I can feel it

deep down in my bones!

Huh?

The truth is, there's a bunch

of things only you can do.

I know you're going to be able

to save a lot of people

someday.

[gasps]

When the time comes,

I hope you'll drop everything

to help those who need you!

[SHION]

Before she got sick,

she told me she had a feeling

my magic

could help a lot of people.

[GAWAIN]

Interesting. Marie said that?

[SHION] Yeah. She's always

thinking beyond herself.

Everything she does

is for the people around her.

She never complains,

just leaps

to action for her team.

She works so hard.

I guess it makes sense

somebody like her

would want to use magic

to help people.

Yes, that sounds like Marie.

Always trying

to make others' lives better.

[SHION]

If she were awake right now,

she would tell me

to stop dragging my feet

when there are people

who need me.

She'd say, "When big sisters

aren't around to save the day,

little brothers have to put on

their big boy pants

and get the job done!

So, go save them! 'Kay?"

[GAWAIN] [chuckles] And if you

didn't move fast enough,

she'd grab your hand

and drag you off herself.

[SHION]

Hmm. You're right.

That's just the kind of person

my sister is.

She would want me to do

what's right.

Count me in.

I'll help.

How noble.

I'm very proud.

Thank you.

Forgive me for not

understanding your feelings.

[SHION]

It's all right.

You gave me time

to sort through them.

You even helped me

find some purpose.

Uh!

[GAWAIN]

Shion, are you okay?

[SHION]

Hold on.

This isn't right.

Something is missing here.

[Marie laughing]

[Marie continues laughing]

[SHION]

Her magical energy. It's

Mother!

Please look after Marie!

[EMMA] Huh?

Uh, of course, dear!

[GAWAIN]

Why are you running?

[SHION]

How didn't I notice?

I've been with her

for four days!

[gasps]

I knew it.

Have you figured

something out, Shion?

Mm-hmm. I have.

Those with lethargy sickness

have no trace

of magical energy.

I know

that's a broad statement,

but it's true

for every patient here.

[GAWAIN]

Curious.

[SHION] Also, I didn't spot

anyone with magical energy

when we were in the square.

I used to see it in people,

but now those people are gone.

It's just a theory,

but I don't think this sickness

is infecting everyone.

The only ones contracting it

are those with

a foundation for magic.

[GAWAIN]

So, this is about magic?

[SHION]

Mm-hmm.

If none of this

was a coincidence.

If it was all inevitable.

There must be something

that I can do.

The doctors

still don't have a treatment,

and no one I've spoken to

has any clue

what causes it.

I'll cure it.

I'm the only one for the job.

It's just like with magic.

Something doesn't exist,

so it's up to me to create it!

If all the madness

that's been happening

to the town

is connected to magic.

That means

it's connected to us, too.

-Father?

-Just as I suspected.

Come on.

This is who

I wanted you to meet.

♪

[GAWAIN]

Duke Balfe.

I apologize

for visiting unannounced.

I would like you

to meet my son Shion.

[gasps]

Please, Your Grace,

I do not wish

to waste your time.

I wanted

to discuss my suggestion

of carrying lightning lamps

as a countermeasure

against the unseen monster.

[grunts]

Why me?

Was the monster waiting for me

to take office?

I'm a good man,

what did I do to deserve this?

I thought the sickness

was the silent k*ller,

but now I've got invisible

assassins to worry about?

People are collapsing

in the streets!

That or they're

getting whisked away

by some unknown evil!

It's too much to bear

and I'm done bearing it!

[yelling] I don't wanna be

the Duke anymore!

I don't wanna, I don't wanna,

I don't wanna, I don't wanna!

The longer I stay,

the grayer my hair gets!

-You take the throne, Gawain!

-We are only here to help you,

-Your Grace.

-Istria would love you!

[BALFE]

Fair warning, it's not easy!

You'd think as

the highest-ranking man

in the room your underlings

would do the work,

but that doesn't go over well

when everyone

is dropping like flies!

These are trying times indeed,

but in an emergency,

the people deserve a leader.

Ah-hah!

Hm.

[BALFE]

You're saying I have no choice.

[GAWAIN]

Resignation is not advised.

Now, then.

Regarding the lamps.

Right. The merchant's guild

tried to buy up

all the lightning lamps

and hoard them

for their own purposes,

but we commandeered

what we could.

Now, every guard

is armed with one.

That plan of yours

took a lot of work.

I'm eternally in awe,

Your Grace!

Your efficiency is incredible!

[BALFE]

Oh, please, we're far beyond

the point of flattery, Gawain!

[groans]

[BALFE]

I see.

So, the nocturnal monster

and lethargy sickness

are both closely related

to magic and magical energy.

[Shion gasps]

[BALFE]

Shion

I realize we only just met,

but your father

has been keeping me up to date

on all your antics

for quite some time.

[SHION]

I had no idea.

When you came up against

this mysterious creature

in the woods,

I understand your magic

was the only thing

that proved effective.

Here's the plan!

We gather up all those capable

of using magic,

then teach them

how to k*ll the beast!

No. That would never work, sir.

[gasps]

And why not?

It takes a long time to master

even the simplest spell,

and most people

that possess magical energy

have come down

with lethargy sickness.

[clears throat]

That's a shame.

From what I've been told,

the doctors'

research into the illness

isn't progressing at all.

Butyou!

You have information

about the sickness, don't you?

I do.

Huh? What happens now?

[SHION]

Live test subjects.

You'll have to convince me

that it's worth the risk.

See, if a person is healthy,

they recover lost

magical energy when they rest.

It might look

like lethargy sickness

patients are resting,

but there must be

something preventing them

from regaining their magic

while they're in this state.

My hypothesis is

that if we restore

their magical energy

by transferring it

to their bodies,

then they'll return

to full health.

[BALFE]

Hmm.

You want to give magical energy

back to those whose bodies

are no longer

able to produce it.

That sounds quite dangerous.

[SHION]

It is.

[BALFE] [sighs]

And yet

if I stop you from trying

or if you're unable to

transfer the energy required,

those affected

may never recover.

That's right, sir.

Medical advancement

never comes cheap.

To save some

you must sacrifice others.

No point

in tiptoeing around it.

I'll beat this thing

by any means necessary.

All I care about

is saving my sister.

Hmm.

[SHION]

I'll test on those guaranteed

to have magical energy

and whose deaths

are acceptable.

-Meaning?

-The monsters, Your Grace.

[SHION] Not only

did he grant me permission

to test on living subjects.

He assigned a skilled team

of townsfolk to help me.

I'll have experts in medicine

and monsters at my disposal.

He even promised

to deploy personnel

to help fight the monsters.

Without my father there,

he never would've trusted me.

I'm still surprised

he believed the words

of a child enough to approve

my research and give me a team.

He's never seen magic.

-[GAWAIN] I'm sorry.

-About?

One day.

[indistinct chatter]

[SHION] Okay. Let's start

with some introductions.

[COLE]

I am Cole Aleister.

Doctor Alphonse is my mentor,

and I serve as his assistant.

I would prefer not to play

along with a rich boy's games,

but His Grace commanded it,

so I have no choice.

[sighs]

I could come up

with a million better uses

for my time.

Alas

[RAPHINA]

It was Cole, correct?

You should not be

so churlish, "Cole."

If you wish

to fulfill your orders,

I suggest treating

this child with kindness,

or did the Duke

tell you to act like a cur?

[scoffs]

My name is Raphina Schperl!

For the uniformed,

heir to Marquis Alfred Schperl,

the ruler

of the Zehpenlast region

of the Ristia Kingdom.

Also, I am the leading private

of the 75th Knight Company.

I am Raphina Schperl!

[COLE]

The 75th Knight Company

is the royal guard's weak spot!

Being leading private

is nothing to brag about.

Huh? What?

You know nothing!

I am a full-fledged knight,

you fool!

Look at me!

The monarch would only grant

this blade to a real knight!

[COLE]

Real knights know

not to draw

their swords inside.

-Hmph!

-[SHION] And you?

Yes, in the corner there.

Do you mind

if I ask what your name is?

Oh. It's Brigitte Ghite.

[SHION] You're here on

Duke Balfe's orders too, right?

Yes.

[SHION]

So, you're our monster expert?

Well, uhI suppose.

-[COLE] Hmm?

-[RAPHINA] Hmm?

[BRIGITTE]

Um, when it comes to monsters,

I know some interesting facts.

[SHION]

Well, that's great news.

Thank you all for joining me.

Let me start by saying,

I do not view the mission

we've been given as a game,

and I won't treat it like one.

We will not do

any experimentation

without proper preparation

and evidence.

[electricity crackling]

Bolt!

[COLE]

Wha-what was that?

Where did it come from?

[RAPHINA] The lad pulled

lightning out of thin air!

[BRIGITTE]

How strange.

[SHION] It's a technique

I've been working on for years.

It's called magic.

[ALL]

Huh?

I harness the magical energy

that's within my body

and use it to amplify

and maintain natural phenomena.

[water splashing]

[COLE]

Right. That's very impressive.

But what does it have

to do with our objective?

[SHION] As I mentioned,

magic relies on magical energy.

It's a mysterious power

that dwells in many

of our bodies and minds.

Simple.

But, overusing it exhausts you.

You lose the will

to do anything

and struggle to move.

Do any of those symptoms

sound familiar to you guys?

[COLE] [gasps]

The sickness!

[gasping]

I'm not slow.

Armor is heavy!

[echoing]

Heavy! Heavy! Heavy!

[SHION]

Cole had to go to the clinic,

but the rest of us

ventured into the forest.

Before we could start,

we needed to get a sense

of our test subjects.

[Raphina coughing]

You wretched monsters.

You fear me so much

you laid this fiendish trap?

It is obvious this slope

is no work of nature!

[laughing]

[BRIGITTE]

I'm here

because I was asked

to investigate

the invisible monster.

But does the monster

have something

to do with lethargy sickness?

[SHION] Well,

they're both related to magic.

In order

to treat lethargy sickness,

I need to find a way

to supply magical energy

to patients.

The issue is

that the energy is so volatile

it often kills the creature

on the receiving end.

I use it against monsters

all the time.

When I send my magical energy

into their bodies,

it reacts with the energy

already present

and burns them

from the inside.

Those with lethargy sickness

have been stripped

of their magic.

But how can

we restore magical energy

to their bodies

without burning them alive?

That's where

the monsters come in.

We'll experiment

with transferring

magical energy into them

until we come up with a safe

and reliable method.

As for the invisible monster

you mentioned before,

my father and I had a run in

with it a few nights back.

It was intense.

[gasps]

Are you telling me

you've seen the wraith?

[SHION]

Yeah?

[RAPHINA]

So, what form does it take?

-Where and when did you see it?

-Calm down!

[SHION] My father

reported it to His Grace,

and they're working

on countermeasures!

That's why they called in

a monster expert like you!

[Brigitte gasps]

[BRIGITTE] [giggles]

A new monster. I'm so excited!

[Brigitte giggling]

[SHION]

Shh!

[goblin growling]

Really? Here?

Ooh. lucky!

[BRIGITTE]

A goblin warrior shouldn't be

wandering a place like this!

Their species

is supposed to stay

secluded in enormous dens!

Alert the royal guard,

this is a completely

unprecedented emergency!

So, that mongrel

is a goblin, eh?

[SHION]

Hold on.

[SHION]

She's gotta be kidding, right?

[RAPHINA] [groans]

So heavy. Blasted armor.

No! No more!

[gasps]

Now, do not let

my appearance distract you!

If you believe me to be

just a beautiful lady knight,

you are doing yourself

a grave disservice!

Neither of us

said anything like that!

I shall show you!

For I am Raphina Schperl!

heir to Marquis Alfred Schperl,

ruler of the Zehpenlast region

of the great kingdom of Ristia!

And the leading private

of the 75th Knight Company

of the royal guard!

Well, that's not gonna get old.

I am Raphina Schperl!

Line Bolt!

[fire crackling]

[gasps]

I missed!

[SHION] Uh!

I need more time!

Aah!

[goblin grunts]

Raphina!

Aqua Bolt, go!

[grunts]

[groaning]

No effect.

Aah!

[grunts]

[thuds]

[RAPHINA]

Ha-ha! Begone, villain!

[SHION] I had no clue

you were so strong.

I thought you had never seen

a monster before.

[RAPHINA] I had never

seen a goblin. Correct.

Our primary concern

in Zehpenlast

is the orc settlement.

I have fought exclusively

against their kind until today.

Orcs are next level!

[BRIGITTE]

Though similar to goblins,

-they're bigger and stronger.

-Without that armor on

I am a k*lling machine!

[laughs]

[SHION]

Butour goal is to round up

monsters for experimentation,

not extermination.

[RAPHINA]

Onward, h*!

[laughs]

So, uh, she forgot

the mission, didn't she?

[SHION] [sighs]

Definitely.